Points vs Cash: When to Use Miles
Published 6/28/2026
A simple framework for getting at least 1.5 cents per point on every redemption.
## The 1.5 cpp rule
If the cash price divided by points required is below 1.5 cents, pay cash.
## When points win
- Premium cabins (often 3-8 cpp)
- Last-minute domestic on Southwest
- Peak-season Europe in economy
## When cash wins
- Cheap fares under $200
- Budget carriers (Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair)
- Anything you can put on a 2x+ category card